For many teens, the prom is one of the most important dates in the high school calendar. However, the excitement is often tainted by financial worries. With costs often running in excess of $1,000, the prom is a big deal in more ways than one.
While some high school seniors are fortunate enough to afford the splurge, many don’t have the money.
That’s where Operation Fairy Dust comes in. Now in its sixth year, the program is designed to help selected young women offset prom costs by providing free gowns.
A ‘Big Impression’
“[It’s] the last year that everyone will know you as that person, in your last dress,” said Saavedra Jantugh, 18, of The New School for Arts and Science, in the Bronx. “It’s a very big impression you got to make.”
Saavedra chose a long black dress with a gem-encrusted neckline that she hoped to make shorter.
Not having the perfect dress often means opting out of the prom.
“Sometimes if you don’t have a dress you don’t even want to go to the prom,” said D’Asia Greathouse, 18, of Catherine McAuley High School in East Flatbush, Brooklyn. “You know the other girls are going to be dressed really elegant and nice.”
60-Minute Scramble
Desha Hagler, 18, also a student at Catherine McAuley, said she had no idea what she would have done had she not been given the opportunity to shop for free at the give-away.
While some girls spend months shopping for the perfect prom dress, Operation Fairydust participants have about 60 minutes.
Most were confident they’d recognize”the one” when they saw it.
“I was looking for a simple dress with a back that showed,” said Ismalis, 18, a Manhattan Occupational Training Center student who decided on a sleek red frock with thin straps. “I just wanted to look pretty.”
